The Hon. Steven L. Smith is a justice of the Tenth Court of Appeals of Texas (Place 3). He was appointed to the seat by Governor Greg Abbott on August 6, 2021, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. John Neill (Ret.).
Prior to his appointment, Smith served as a judge for the 361st District Court in Brazos County since his election to the bench in 1998. Before that, Smith presided as a judge for the Brazos County Court at Law No. 1 (1995 to 1998) and the College Station Municipal Court (1988 to 1994). He has also worked as a shareholder at Hoelscher, Lipsey, Elmore & Smith (1988 to 1994) and Dillon & Giesenschlag (1977 to 1988).
Smith earned a B.M.Ed. from Abilene Christian University in 1974. Then, in 1977, he completed a J.D. at the University of Texas at Austin School of Law. He is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
He has served as Chair of the Judicial Section of the State Bar of Texas.
Smith is registered as a Republican.